ICD-10 Coding for Hepatic Hydrothorax(K76.81)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hepatic Hydrothorax. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hepatic Hydrothorax
K70-K77Primary Range
Diseases of liver
This range includes codes for liver diseases, including hepatic hydrothorax.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for hepatic hydrothorax
Essential facts and insights about Hepatic Hydrothorax
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hepatic hydrothorax
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of transudative pleural effusion and portal hypertension.
documentation Criteria
- Exclusion of other causes of pleural effusion.
Applicable To
- Pleural effusion due to liver disease
Excludes
- Pleural effusion not related to liver disease
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Transudative pleural effusion >500 mL
- Presence of portal hypertension
- Exclusion of cardiopulmonary causes
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as nonspecific pleural effusion without confirming liver disease linkage.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation explicitly links pleural effusion to liver disease.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Cirrhosis of liver
K74.60-K74.69Portal hypertension
K76.6Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Other nonspecific pleural effusion
R91.8Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hepatic Hydrothorax to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K76.81.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough clinical evaluation., Document all relevant findings.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes evidence of liver disease and portal hypertension.
Impact
Failure to sequence cirrhosis and portal hypertension before hepatic hydrothorax.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate coders on proper sequencing rules.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Hepatic Hydrothorax, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hepatic Hydrothorax
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hepatic Hydrothorax. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Patient with hepatic hydrothorax and cirrhosis
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Diagnosis of cirrhosis
- Presence of portal hypertension
- Thoracentesis results
- Exclusion of other causes
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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